If you are in the Cape Ann area and have the opportunity, I recommend a visit the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, MA.
During my stay in Rockport there wasn’t anyone scheduled to perform at the center that I had a great desire to see, but I wanted the experience of watching someone perform on a stage backed by a floor-to-ceiling window looking out on the ocean.
There were two 8 pm and one 5 pm performance scheduled during my stay, so I bought tickets to the 5 pm performance so I could take advantage of the view in the (July) daylight hours.
However, because the performer wasn’t at the top of my list of people to see, I bought the least expensive tickets and got seats on the left side balcony facing the stage. This was a mistake I would not repeat if I ever return to the Center.
The single aisle was so narrow you could barely cross your legs. But what was worse is that the only way I could see the stage was to lean forward in my seat and rest my arms on the railing, which was very uncomfortable.
The theatre is beautiful and relatively small and intimate. The view is magnificent. Watching a performer with the ocean waves rolling in the background is mesmerizing. But that was somewhat spoiled for me by the uncomfortable seats. I strongly recommend avoiding this seating area.
Intermission was in a room upstairs, which I believe is rented out for events. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. The bathrooms are also in this area.
Watching a performance here is a unique experience that I highly recommend—just get comfortable seats.